Originally designed as a sports vehicle, these airspeeders are built for speed and agility, using mechanically controlled flaps to brake and change direction. The aerodynamic design also allows for turning without reducing speed. It was soon discovered that because of this it has become nearly impossible to track them with flight-prediction sensors. This in turn resulted in these speeders being adapted for military use.

Heavy armor plating was added to the vehicle, which was coated and angled for a greater result in deflecting shots. Intake and exhaust ports were protected by dust covers and insulation systems were added. When having to operate under extreme conditions, like excessive heat or cold, many engineers found that additional adjustments were required. Because of the great similarity between the controls of the T-47 and starfighters like the X-wing and the more common Y-wing, these craft are also quite frequently used for training starfighter pilots.